Author: Michelle

The Peace Visitor

“Why?” That simple question might be the most telling and simple thing we can ask. I remember standing in Riverside Park in August of 2015 asking the question why. Why do we have a picnic and worship in a park in August? The air was so thick you could slice it and the rain poured down in sheets; we sang, we prayed, we ate and ran to our various homes. Why? It seemed a lot of work for very little return. When I was told we have an annual picnic I should have asked, “why?” To be honest though, I tried to make it a normal Sunday rather than a special event where chaos and fun can be added to the song and script. I did, however, wonder if the notion of a church picnic was a thing of the past. Had it gone on beyond its expiration date?
In our world, we have grown accustomed to seeing expiration dates on everything from milk to prescription drugs. Most things carry them, or words like “best by”. They are better or better for you if consumed prior to a certain date. I think this model of awareness has a place in church and ministry too. Every ministry or program should have an expiration date. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that we throw everything away after so long but that we stop and ask “why?” If there are good reasons, we go on; if not, we need to evaluate the ministry.
Let me give you a quick example. My first Christmas here, I did an 11 PM service on Christmas Eve. It had been a long-standing tradition for me. I and the six other participants had a wonderful worship experience. On Christmas day, I was almost too tired to move. I asked “why?” I decided to put all my energy the next year into our normal early service. I embraced it wholeheartedly and had energy to celebrate Christmas Day in a meaningful way too. Why is an important word. My why was that it was more about me than effective meaningful ministry. We need to give why a chance. It does not signify an immediate death of a program but it does suggest being critical about our motivations and purpose.
As a church, we are in a big period of whys. This will mean some things might go away and other things may be started. Being a Just Peace and W.I.S.E. congregation are on the horizon of possibilities, and committees as we knew them are fading away. But looking at the expiration dates and whys is good practice. It keeps us fresh and moving forward while honoring who we are and what we hope to be. So, this August 13th as we gather in the park for our picnic I already know my why. Even if the air is thick and chewy. We will be carrying on a tradition meant to celebrate our joy in ways that the walls of church will not hold, and we’ll be glad our picnic is not past its expiration date.

July 2017

Pastor John

Pastor John’s Theology Word of the Month:
ju·bi·lee [ˈjo͞obəˌlē, ˌjo͞obəˈlē] NOUN:
a special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity:
The word “jubilee” in the Old Testament is from the Hebrew word “yobel” or “yovel” meaning “a ram’s horn, trumpet” or “coronet.” If someone announced the Jubilee, they would be actually blowing a trumpet and all of the congregation of Israel would be able to hear it.
This year’s picnic is part of our 125th Anniversary Jubilee celebration.

“Three Great Loves”
is a response to our newly articulated purpose, mission, and vision statement which reads:
We will love the lord our God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength; and our neighbor as ourselves. (Purpose)
United by the Holy Spirit and inspired by God’s grace we love all, welcome all, and seek justice for all. (Mission)
A just world for all. (Vision)
These words are intended to articulate why the United Church of Christ is called by God into being – and unless we can operationalize them into mission that matters, they are just words. Therefore, we are inviting and calling the United Church of Christ into mission. We are challenging the entire denomination to engage in Three Great Loves:
The love of Children * The love of Neighbor * The love of Creation

Council Minutes
Sunday, June 25, 2017
The meeting was called to order and Pastor John gave an opening prayer.
The minutes from the May 21 meeting were accepted as presented in the Visitor.
Pastor John gave his pastor’s report. Discussion regarding the many intersections of need in various communities within the St. Cloud area (homeless, veterans, ISAIAH, etc.) and how we need to try to work together instead of feeling in competition.
Brad Hanson’s treasurer’s was discussed and motion to accept was made (M) (Curt Hutchens) and seconded (S) (Linda Vierkant) - motion passed (P).
Michelle Dettmann’s financial secretary report was discussed. Mid-year statements will be available on the first Sunday of July to include January-June giving and provide progress on pledged giving to those who pledged. Motion MSP (Rick Fine, Bruce Michaels) to approve the report.
Old Business:
125th Anniversary Celebration: “Becoming a New Creation”
The Just Peace Initiative will be discussed over the summer and presented at the proposed Annual Meeting/Congregational Meeting in September.
New Business:
External Clean-up Task List was started by Curt Hutchens* and will be disseminated to allow volunteers to sign up for specific tasks—more church areas/tasks will be added
By-Laws task force (Fiscus, Tallent, Tufte) presented a draft of the proposed Constitution and By-Laws. The remainder of the meeting focused on discussion and specific questions and suggested revisions to the draft. Discussion will continue at the next meeting.
The next Council meeting will be on July 23rd [changed following the meeting] at 11:30 AM
BOLD were in attendance:
Moderator: Jon Tufte
Vice Moderator: Ron Seibring
Secretary: Linda Vierkant
Treasurer: Brad Hanson
Financial Secretary: Michelle Dettmann
Member at large: Curt Hutchens
Member at large: Val Broste
Trustees: Bruce Michaels
Mission: Rick Fine
TTT: Mark Hoff
ROSE: Beverly Tallent
Deacons: Jeryl Michaels
Shirley Hoff
Pastor John Fiscus

Exterior Duties:
Spring-Summer
Touch up exterior paint: walls, railings, windows
Check exterior lighting—replace bulbs as needed
Prune hedges and lilacs (after they bloom)
Mow the lawn from mid-May to first freeze
Use weed whacker at least 2x a month around trees, signs, poles, garth
Spring raking/cleaning day (with extra volunteers)
Late Fall raking/cleaning day (with extra volunteers)
Drive bags from weekly clean-up to city compost site
Weed flower beds weekly May to September
Replant flowers, shrubbery, etc. as needed
Use Weed & Feed fertilizer in spring and fall
Pick up to trash around the church grounds every week before mowing
Service the weed whacker, lawn mower, and leaf blower as needed
Report needs to church council
Winter Season
Clean snow, ice, etc. off sidewalks and steps before Sunday worship and other scheduled church activities
Spread grit on steps and sidewalks before Sunday service and other activities
Monitor the church grounds for snow removal during the week as needed
Monitor the needs of the snowblower during the winter season
Report needs to church council
Watch for other jobs around the church — if you see things that need to be done, let the office know! We are trying to get a comprehensive checklist of volunteer opportunities for all the various areas of the church., indoors and out.

FAITH FORMATION

Our Civility Project
Make the World More Civil, Idea #54— “Respect people’s personal boundaries without judgment. Not everyone is comfortable hugging. Maybe they were brought up Lutheran. It doesn’t mean they don’t like you.”
One area of church life where this becomes an interesting puzzle is the passing of the peace. Some people love to shake hands and hug while greeting their neighbors. Some would rather not come to church at all if they will be forced to touch other people. We have mostly gone away from this practice here, but when you look at the theological context, passing of the peace has a deep significance. Can we be aware and respectful of boundaries while not giving up a meaningful tradition?
From an article “Passing the Peace: Help Your Congregation Embrace a Communal Way of Life” by Paul Ryan (not that Paul Ryan) at https://www.reformedworship.org/article/march-2011/passing-peace
Post-game handshakes are a time-honored tradition. Little League baseball players, traveling soccer teams, and NCAA athletes never miss this ritual of sportsmanship. During the game they “fight,” engage in “battle,” “conquer,” or suffer “defeat.” But at the end of the day athletes are not at war. By a simple hand gesture, athletes declare that they are at peace. ...
Christian worship is filled with profound actions. … One ancient and significant gesture in worship is the passing of the peace. Passing the peace is a tradition rooted in Scripture that embodies our identity as peacemakers (Matt. 5:9; 2 Cor. 5:20) and trains ours hearts, hands, and tongues in the ways of peace.
From the beginning Christians have exercised this practice. “Peace be with you” is a greeting Jesus himself used with his disciples (Luke 24:36; John 20:19, 26). The apostle Paul opened each of his letters with the words “Grace and peace be with you” (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2).
Today in many congregations we may pass the peace during a mutual greeting, after words of assurance, prior to celebrating the Lord’s Supper, or at the conclusion of a worship service. At these times we leave the comfort of our seat, turn to our neighbors, grasp their hands, and speak the words, “The peace of the Lord be with you” and receive the words in turn, “And also with you.”
The gesture is simple, but the meaning is profound. When we extend our hand to another, we identify with Jesus, who extended his life to the point of death to make peace with humanity (Col. 1:20-21). What’s more, in the midst of divisions we symbolize our unity through handshakes and hugs (Eph. 2:14-21). Likewise, when we regularly pass the peace we practice God’s call to make every effort to maintain the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). ...
It’s important at the same time to recognize the cumulative impact of weekly passing of the peace. By regularly practicing this gesture, our hearts are shaped in the form of the words. Consider the daily practice of training toddlers to say “please” and “thank you.” Though at the beginning the toddler mechanically repeats the words, eventually her heart fills the words with grace and gratitude; indeed, her heart is shaped in the form of “please” and “thank you.” In the same way, passing the peace gives us the vocabulary for expressing peace as we mature in faith and, in fact, shapes our hearts and minds in the form of peace.
Still, passing the peace feels strange to many Reformed and evangelical Christians. The phrase rolls clumsily from our tongues. It seems to wear better on Catholics, Episcopalians, or “liturgical types.” It’s not surprising then, that many churches have abandoned the practice, opting instead for a more colloquial, “Hi, how are you?” “I’m fine, thanks.” But might we lose something by switching to this pedestrian greeting? Fred Edie, a youth ministry specialist, thinks so. “One exchange,” he writes, “intends and practices a communal way of life framed by Christ’s peace. . . . The other intends and practices a life framed by bounded individuals wishing to retain these boundaries while being nice to each other” (Fred P. Edie, Book, Bath, Table, and Time: Christian Worship as Source and Resource for Youth Ministry, The Pilgrim Press, 2007, p. 24). In other words, passing the peace challenges us to be more than polite. We might say that it dares us to move beyond ourselves—our interests, our concerns—and create Christ-like community with others. It is the practicing of “a communal way of life framed by Christ’s peace” that makes this gesture so significant. ...
All things considered, perhaps, our anxiety over passing the peace is simply embarrassment. It’s kind of weird. We fumble the words. It moves us outside our comfort zone. In that case, what may be needed most when passing the peace is generous hospitality. When introducing the practice, we ought to acknowledge that it might feel strange. We ought to give people permission to feel awkward and allow them time to ease their way into it. We might also consider using disarming humor: “Today as we greet one another we are all free from having to make small talk!”
But we might also make it a normal practice whenever we gather—not just during worship. Pass the peace at the conclusion of a council meeting. Begin fellowship meals and potlucks by passing the peace. … And let all express the words in a way that is most natural, everything from “The peace of the Lord be with you” to “God’s peace” or simply, “Peace.” Mostly, take time and let the community make the gesture its own.
As we practice passing the peace, it’s hard to imagine that a simple handshake could ever degrade into a fist fight. How could the same hand that embraces the frail hand of the elderly, the shaking hand of the sick, the tentative hand of the introvert, the rough hand of a laborer, or the soft hand of a little child be considered a weapon? How could the hand that is regularly trained in worship to extend peace become a cause of division? This is the possibility that a simple gesture on Sunday gives us.
The peace of the Lord be with you.
Faith Formation is not just Sunday School classes or a moment of the service. It’s the day-to-day wrestling with how to be God’s people, living in community in the world. A few more tips are printed on the Fridays of the calendar. Try them, then discuss: How can we be comfortable and respectful and yet still challenge ourselves to be more like Jesus?
Let me know how it goes. —Michelle Dettmann, Faith Formation Rep Pro-tem
Return to Civility: a Speed of Laughter Project, John Sweeney & The Brave New Workshop. 2007

These are truly exciting times for Peace United Church of Christ in St. Cloud! We are celebrating our past heritage of ministry to the St. Cloud for the past 125 years!! And, we are honoring these traditions through our continued outreach into the community - meeting people at the “breach” or “margin.” We are starting to “Be the Church” more than “Doing Church” with our outreach to the homeless (Laundry Love), with Pastor John’s ministry with the MN UCC Conference Open and Affirming Team, his work with the Ethics Committee at St. Cloud Hospital, etc. And, as a congregation, our mission work gathering school supplies, clothing, etc. is so needed in our community.
The Church Council is currently working on re-defining our By-Laws to better meet the needs of our changing church - to help us “Be the Church” out in the community, instead of just “Doing Church” and being focused inward. We need to streamline the process to meet the current needs of our surrounding community. We are looking at ways to invite you, our congregation, into more meaningful work of the church - not to serve on committees, but to participate in the events/activities of our ministry. Be thinking of ways that you can use your talents to answer your call into service in our wider community.
We are looking at becoming a “Just Community” reaching out from our walls into the needs of those less fortunate, needing a listening ear, a helping hand, and/or some financial help. There are four areas of focus that will help us build the new church community. They are:
Our Open and Affirming Status
Open and Affirming (ONA) is the United Church of Christ's (UCC) designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the UCC which make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Revisit our commitment to welcoming the LGBTQ community into a meaningful faith relationship. Creating a safe place for them to live out their faith experience. With a renewed commitment, we will better support the members of the transgender community. There is so much yet to be done here - “bathroom bills” are being passed, systematic discrimination is being made law. Where do these individuals find a place to talk about and replenish their spiritual needs?
Our Accessible 2 All Status
Continue to look at our “physical plant” and make our building a place where are all truly welcome! We made improvements to our building with our elevator, our accessible bathrooms, the ramp in Fellowship Hall. What more can we do - should we do?
“A2A” stands for “Accessible to All”. A2A is the terminology used within the United Church to refer to congregations that have completed the Accessible to All process and thereby made the commitment to be physically and attitudinally welcoming of people with disabilities. The A2A process has for may years been defined by the A2A resource “Any Body, Everybody, Christ’s Body”; the “process” is completed by completing the check list in the back of the A2A resource and sending this checklist to UCC Disabilities Ministries.
Securing Recognition as a “Just Peace” Church
The Just Peace Church vision is a hallmark of United Church of Christ theological identity. For 30 years, the Just Peace Church pronouncement has inspired a grassroots movement of UCC congregations committed to corporately naming and boldly proclaiming a public identity as a justice-doing, peace-seeking church. The Just Peace pronouncement articulated the UCC position on war and peace distinct from other approaches such as crusade, pacifism, or “just war.” Grounded in UCC polity and covenantal theology, the position focuses attention on alleviating systemic injustice of all types using non-violence and calls us to offer the message, grounded in the hope of reconciliation in Jesus, that “Peace is possible.”
Become a WISE Church
A WISE congregation has joined the mission to being Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in the Mental Health of the community and the wider world. Here's what Rosalynn Carter says: "People with mental problems are our neighbors. They are members of our congregations, members of our families; they are everywhere in this country. If we ignore their cries for help, we will be continuing to participate in the anguish from which those cries for help come. A problem of this magnitude will not go away. Because it will not go away, and because of our spiritual commitments, we are compelled to take action." What is your congregation doing to widen the welcome and support those with mental illness in your midst? What are you doing as an individual?
Here’s the invite to you: join in helping Peace UCC “Become a New Creation!” As a disciple in your own faith journey, work in covenant with our church family (inside and outside our walls) answering God’s call for us - God’s mission for us - “Becoming a New Creation!” Be the Church!! This is the ministry/mission of each of us, as members in covenant with each other, not just Pastor John’s work to do!
From our Moderator, Jon Tufte

A year ago, I had the pleasure of hearing Rev. Traci Blackmon speak at the National Open and Affirming Gathering and then again at annual meeting. She has been an inspiration for me. On July 2, 2017 at the National Synod meeting of the United Church of Christ she was overwhelmingly elected to serve at the Executive Minister for our Witness and Justice Ministries. Since I know part of my call is to be active in these areas too, I want to highlight who they are and what they do.
Justice and Witness Ministries is one of four Covenanted Ministries in the UCC. It helps local congregations and all settings of the church respond to God's commandments to do justice, seek peace and effect change for a better world. The work of JWM is guided by the pronouncements and resolutions approved by the UCC at General Synod.
Who We Are:
JWM's Vision is a just, compassionate and peaceful world that honors all of God's creation.
Our Mission: To speak and act prophetically through community mobilization, leadership training, issues education, public witness, and public policy advocacy.
Guiding Principles - JWM is:
Inspired by God's grace and through the prayerful discernment and courageous witness of God's people.
Grounded in biblical and theological understandings of God's mission and the justice and compassion to which the gospel calls us.
Rooted in the conviction that all forms of oppression and injustice can be overcome.
Committed to full inclusion and to creating institutional structures and practices that support the self-determination of those who have been marginalized and silenced.
Called by God to have a transforming impact on local, national, and global communities.
Encouraged by the prophetic witness of the United Church of Christ in the past and present, and dedicated to sustaining this witness into the future.
Convinced that God's vision of "Another World is Possible"

Pastor John

Hi . . . . Just a quick note of "Thanx" to ALL for a grand reunion @ Peace UCC [on July 9] . . . . Dot & I, plus Terry & Heidi really appreciated all those who were on hand to greet us and relive "old times"! It was nice that Becky could play and Michelle could sing, which made the service extra special. We are so grateful for Pastor John's leadership in maintaining the strong Mission outreach of Peace UCC!!!
S H A L O M, Dot & Bob

FROM THE
eMAILBOX

Remember to keep us up-to-date on your address and other contact info.
Did we miss your birthday on the calendar? Let us know!

Thought of the Month
If you could have a conversation with a female character in the Bible, with whom would you speak? What questions would you ask her?
From Table Talk: Creating Meaningful Conversation with Family and Friends
Remember to let us know if you are ill or hospitalized. The hospital can’t let us know you are there, due to HIPAA and other privacy concerns. The only way we know to put you on the prayer list and come visit is if you call the office and leave us the information.
Also, let us know if you wish to be put on the prayer chain or the prayer list in the bulletin. We want to know how much information you are comfortable sharing.
Thanks so much!

Are you able to visit or send a note to
members who are homebound or
living in long-term care?
They would love to hear from you.

Marlys Burke
218 22nd Ave N
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Dolores Honl
2000 15th Ave SE # 217
St. Cloud, MN 56304
Bev Killeen
1115 4th Ave N NS 227
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Leif Larsen
1790 W Mill Street
Paynesville, MN 56362
Dorothy Matakis
2511 15th St N
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Gary Naegeli
Edgewood Sr. Living
12450 Cloud Dr NE, #128
Blaine, MN 55449
763-754-1723

PLANNING AHEAD
On the Anniversary Calendar:
Sunday, August 13, 10 AM—Annual Picnic at Riverside Park Pavilion. This is a great time to invite friends to join you for church! Start praying for nice weather now. Join us for worship, potluck and activities. Council will be providing burgers and hot dogs.
Sunday, December 3, 10 AM—Formal Anniversary Worship with guest preacher Shari Prestemon, Conference Minister—A lunch at a local restaurant will follow. This will be an RSVP-needed event! More details as we get closer. :-)

The Sunshine Report—Joys and Concerns
The Family of Genny Manea—sympathy

PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
402 – 8th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301

Staff
Minister: Rev. John Fiscus Cell: (320) 428-8686 E-mail: pastorfiscus@gmail.com
Secretary: Michelle Dettmann Office: (320) 251-6289 Peaceucc1908@yahoo.com
Choir Director: Roger Towler Church Office Hours: Tu-F, 2 – 5 PM
Organist: Mark Ochu
Custodian: WACOSA
Conference Minister: Rev. Shari Prestemon Associate Conference Minister: Rick Wagner

Church Council
Moderator: Jon Tufte moderatorpucc@gmail.com
Vice Moderator: Ron Seibring
Treasurer: Brad Hanson
Financial Secretary: Michelle Dettmann
Council Secretary: Linda Vierkant
Members at Large: Curt Hutchens, Val Broste
Trustees: Bruce Michaels
Mission: Rick Fine
TTT: Mark Hoff
ROSE: Beverly Tallent
Deacons: Jeryl Michaels
Faith Formation: TBD
Pastor/Parish: TBD

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